From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell
By Joanna Pasceri
An inside look at politics and government from New York State to Washington, D.C.
From the Lobby with Jack O'DonnellFeb 13, 2022
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11:59
From the Lobby with Legislator Maurice Brown
Newly-elected Onondaga County Legislator Maurice ‘Mo’ Brown joins our Alec Lewis once again to talk about his first few months in office, his push for affordable housing, a major grant from the federal government, and how he and other newly-elected candidates in Onondaga County are shaking up the status quo.
Mar 21, 202411:17
One-House Budgets ‘From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell’
One-house budgets are out and Jack says it’s go time for negotiations in NY! He joins us ‘From the Lobby’ to talk about the differences between the spending plans and what it will take to reach a final deal. Worth a listen!
Mar 14, 202412:46
NY Budget Preview ‘From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell’
Jack is back, joining us ‘From the Lobby’ for our fourth season to talk about budget wrangling in Albany. How is Governor Hochul’s proposed 2025 spending plan going over with the Legislature? Will this year’s final deal be on time or a battle royal? Tune in!
Mar 14, 202409:44
From the Lobby with Rebecca Fischer, NYAGV Executive Director
Rebecca Fischer, Executive Director of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence joins our Alec Lewis to talk about the importance of strong public safety partnerships to help address the gun violence crisis, including a panel discussion hosted in Buffalo in response to the racial mass shooting in 2022.
Feb 05, 202411:30
From the Lobby with Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, NY State Senate Candidate
The hot 2024 election season is gearing up and Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, candidate for the NY State Senate joins our Alec Lewis ‘From the Lobby’ to talk about why he is looking to return to Albany and how he wants to fight for the people of Rockland County.
Dec 20, 202310:13
From the Lobby with Grant Loomis, Senior VP of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership
Grant Loomis joins our Alec Lewis ‘From the Lobby’ to talk about how the BNP is shaping government policy and economic development in WNY. Loomis highlights the important relationship with Canada and the critical issues of energy and the benefits cliff that the BNP will be pursuing during the 2024 Legislative session in NY.
Dec 08, 202319:32
From the Lobby with Jim Gaughran, Congressional Candidate from Long Island
Jim Gaughran joins our Alec Lewis ‘From the Lobby’ to talk about his extensive background in state and local politics, his vision for the 1st Congressional District and his campaign in this heated race that could decide party control of the House of Representatives.
Nov 29, 202310:05
From the Lobby with Betta Broad, Campaign Director for New Yorkers for Clean Power
Betta Broad, Campaign Director for New Yorkers for Clean Power joins our Alec Lewis ‘From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell’ to talk about her statewide collaborative campaign to shift to an equitable clean energy economy.
Nov 19, 202308:01
From the Lobby with Chelsea Lemon of The Business Council of NYS
What are the opportunities and challenges facing New York State’s business community? Chelsea Lemon, Director of Government Affairs for The Business Council of NYS joins our Alec Lewis ‘From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell’ to talk about the state’s business competitiveness and what can be done to grow jobs and the economy.
Nov 10, 202309:13
From the Lobby with Ashley Ranslow, NYS Director of the National Federation of Independent Business
What should NYS be doing to help our small businesses survive and thrive? Listen as Ashley Ranslow, NYS Director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) joins our Alec Lewis ‘From the Lobby’ to talk about the challenges affecting Main Street and how the NFIB in NY is fighting to create stronger, more vibrant business districts.
Nov 02, 202314:43
From the Lobby with Alexander Marion, Syracuse City Auditor Candidate
Alex Marion joins our Alec Lewis ‘From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell’ to talk about how he is preparing to take on the role of Syracuse City Auditor in 2024, and it includes an interesting, new perspective on the global issue of climate change.
Oct 14, 202312:36
From the Lobby with Community Activist Alexandre Burgos
Our Alec Lewis goes ‘From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell’ with Alex Burgos, community leader, LGBTQ+ advocate and member of the Erie County Democratic Committee to talk about his campaign expertise and the importance of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Oct 01, 202310:16
From the Lobby with Dustin Reidy, Albany County Legislator
He’s a longtime campaigner, now elected official and Albany County Legislator Dustin Reidy talks to our Alec Lewis about his career accomplishments and key political strategies and predictions for next year’s hot election cycle in NY.
Sep 23, 202312:21
From the Lobby with Owusu Anane, Albany Common Council Member
Albany Common Council Member Owusu Anane talks about his life as the son of immigrants from Ghana, his first political experience with Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, when Jeffries served in the NYS Assembly, and some of the most challenging issues facing the City of Albany.
Sep 16, 202314:42
On the Campaign Trail with Nodesia Hernandez, Candidate for Onondaga County Legislature
OD&A’s Alec Lewis talks to Nodesia Hernandez about her campaign and how she will fight for constituents in the 17th District of the Onondaga County Legislature, a seat currently being held by Linda Ervin who also joins us to share why she is not seeking re-election & is endorsing Hernandez.
Aug 11, 202309:31
From the Lobby with Kevindaryan Lujan, Orange County Legislator
OD&A’s Alec Lewis talks to Orange County Legislator Kevindaryan Lujan about his diverse background as a Colombian-American, running a successful campaign and how he is working with the Republican majority to improve the lives of all Orange County residents.
Aug 01, 202318:31
On the Campaign Trail with Jake Scheiner, Candidate for Nassau County Legislature
He’s young, ambitious and ready to bring about positive change on Long Island. OD&A’s Alec Lewis talks to Nassau County Legislature candidate Jake Scheiner about his work with a pro-Israel political action committee and how his past experiences have prepared him for his first run for public office.
Jul 28, 202314:15
From the Lobby with George Latimer, Veteran NY Politician and Westchester County Executive
OD&A’s Alec Lewis talks to George Latimer, Westchester County Executive about his stellar political career, how to govern successfully and that burning question: will Latimer run for Congress?
Jul 21, 202319:21
Democratic Primary Victory Debrief on Maurice Brown’s Onondaga County Legislature Race
Maurice “Mo” Brown is back on our podcast after a big victory in the Democratic Primary for the Onondaga County Legislature. He teamed up with OD&A’s Alec Lewis in his first run for office and the two discuss what it takes to achieve a winning campaign.
Jul 15, 202316:52
On the Campaign Trail with Jen Metzger, NY’s Only Currently Serving Female County Executive
OD&A’s Alec Lewis talks to Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger about growing up with financial instability, her productive term in the NY Senate, being NY’s only currently serving female CE, and how she is paving a better way for the residents of Ulster County.
Jul 04, 202322:50
On the NY Congressional Campaign Trail with Former State Senator Anna Kaplan
OD&A’s Alec Lewis continues his campaign series with former NY Senator Anna Kaplan who has now set her sights on the race to represent NY’s high profile 3rd Congressional District. Listen to find out how she plans to turn the seat from red to blue in 2024.
Jun 22, 202320:31
Rochester Revival: Chamber CEO Bob Duffy On Growth and Challenges
OD&A’s Alec Lewis continues our series on the business landscape in NY with Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Bob Duffy who talks about the benefits of the region, the new industries fueling economic optimism and how to address some of the challenges.
Jun 06, 202323:50
Reinventing the NY Economy: How the North Country Chamber of Commerce is Spurring Business Growth
OD&A’s Alec Lewis kicks off a series of podcasts on NY’s business landscape with the North Country Chamber of Commerce. President/CEO Garry Douglas and Joel Wood, VP of Strategic Initiatives share how resiliency, reinvention and persistence have helped their business community thrive in challenging economic times.
May 26, 202322:12
On the Campaign Trail with Vet Maurice Brown Vying for the Onondaga County Legislature
OD&A’s Alec Lewis goes one-on-one with Maurice “Mo” Brown, a former Army Sergeant who is now helping students succeed. Growing up poor, Mo has a thoughtful campaign platform to make sure no one is left behind.
May 18, 202316:11
Protecting Election Integrity with Board of Elections Commissioner Dustin Czarny
Alec talks with Onondaga County Democratic Elections Commissioner Dustin Czarny about his job, the future of elections in NYS, Public Campaign Financing, legislation to improve the state Boards of Elections and the truth behind accusations of voter fraud.
May 18, 202320:20
On the Campaign Trail with NYC Council Member Marjorie Velazquez
OD&A’s Alec Lewis teamed up with candidate Marjorie Velazquez to help her become the first Latina to represent the Northeast Bronx on the NYC Council. Hear how she has delivered for her constituents and the advice she has for other women who are considering a political career.
May 09, 202315:51
On the Campaign Trail with Rochester’s Paul Conrow
OD&A’s Alec Lewis is at the mic talking to Rochester educator Paul Conrow who is vying for a seat on the Rochester City Council. Paul wants to give back to his community for the support he received after losing his young daughter to cancer. A lifelong resident of Rochester, Paul outlines his vision for a more vibrant city.
May 02, 202314:13
On the Campaign Trail with Emily Essi Vying for Onondaga County Clerk
OD&A’s Alec Lewis introduces us to another campaign client, Emily Essi, an Arab-American woman who grew up in Syracuse and with her extensive and varied background and education is hoping to bring important changes to the Onondaga County Clerk’s Office.
Apr 24, 202315:46
On the Campaign Trail with Newcomer Bryan Luna of Newburgh NY
OD&A’s Alec Lewis continues his series on winning campaigns with Bryan Luna, 29-year old child of Mexican immigrants who is a first-time candidate for an At-Large Councilmember seat in Newburgh NY. Listen for more on Luna’s vision for his hometown as he seeks to be the first Latino on the Newburgh City Council.
Apr 21, 202315:11
On the Campaign Trail with NY’s Longest Serving Female Comptroller
Jack hands the mic to Alec Lewis, OD&A’s VP & Director of Campaigns and special guest Robin Lois, Dutchess County Controller, to talk about how she beat a Republican incumbent in a Republican-controlled county with Lewis as her Campaign Manager.
Apr 06, 202317:50
How to Win in the New Age of Campaign Financing
Jack hands the mic to OD&A’s Alec Lewis, VP and Director of Campaigns to talk campaign financing. Alec breaks down the impact of PACs, IEs and Public Financing on races and shares his strategies for a winning campaign.
Mar 29, 202312:30
Campaign Season and the NYS Budget
Jack is joined by OD&A’s new hire, Alec Lewis, VP and Director of Campaigns to talk about winning political strategies, the new public financing system in NY and the latest on the state’s budget process as the deadline draws near.
Mar 24, 202316:60
NY Legislative Session and 118th Congress: Political Fireworks and Scandal
Jack takes us through the start of the new legislative session in NY and the 118th Congress. What are the hot issues and what is actually going to get done? Also, what to expect this year in the race for the White House.
Jan 25, 202314:15
December 13, 2022
Dec 13, 202200:39
Election 2022: Georgia and the U.S. Senate
Jack breaks down the controversial Georgia Senate race and weighs the impact of a slim Democratic majority in the new U.S. Senate session.
Dec 09, 202211:20
Election 2024: The Race for The White House
Jack analyzes the challenges of a second presidential campaign for former President Trump. Also, where do the Democrats stand and a new primary calendar? Listen in!
Dec 01, 202213:41
Election 2022: Recapping the Midterms
Jack breaks down the midterm election results from NY to DC and how they will shape the political agenda in the new year.
Nov 14, 202212:58
Election 2022: Breaking Down The Midterms
Jack lays out the key races in the midterms and the impact they could have on the political landscape.
Nov 03, 202214:01
Election 2022: NY Governor Race
Jack analyzes the first and only debate between the two candidates vying for New York governor and its impact on their campaigns heading into Election Day.
Nov 03, 202207:44
Election 2022: Debrief with Jack
Jack delves into NYS primary results from June with a look ahead to the August primaries and the general election in November.
Jul 19, 202215:03
NYS Budget: It’s Late
Jack has the latest from Albany as the April 1 deadline for a final state budget comes and goes. What are the sticking points and what will a late budget mean to Governor Hochul's campaign?
Apr 05, 202209:12
NYS Budget: What Legislators Want
Jack explains what’s in the One-House Budgets and how they differ from Governor Hochul’s spending plan.
Apr 05, 202215:02
NYS Budget: One-House Budgets
The Governor has released her budget, and now it is the legislature’s turn. Both the Senate and the Assembly are set to release their versions. Jack has a preview.
Mar 11, 202210:40
NYS Budget: Healthcare
Jack explains the millions of dollars being spent to retain and grow the healthcare workforce, COVID protections, Medicaid increases and more in the governor’s budget.
Mar 11, 202213:26
NYS Budget: Environment, Energy and Agriculture
The Governor has proposed record spending on the environment and to address climate change. Jack explains how this could affect our everyday lives.
Feb 26, 202211:28
NYS Budget: Public Safety
Public Safety is a political hot potato with the recent rise in violent crime. What’s in Governor Hochul’s budget to keep New Yorkers safe?
Feb 19, 202212:45
Special Edition: NY Democratic Convention Recap
Jack goes behind the headlines at the NY Democratic Convention in NYC.
Feb 18, 202208:58
NYS Budget: Education/Higher Education
Education spending is at record levels in the Executive Budget. Where is the money going? Who does it benefit? Jack takes a deep dive into the proposal. Give it a listen!
Feb 13, 202211:59
NYS Budget: A Historical Perspective
A look back with Jack at NY budgets of the past and a few predictions of how the budget process will unfold today.
Jan 30, 202209:46
What's in the New York State Budget for You?
How does a property tax rebate sound? For more on that and other insights from Governor Hochul's first spending plan, check out our podcast, From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell.
Jan 21, 202208:23